Remember when we previewed the RLC 2014 Corvette Stingray? We mentioned that the RLC was on an absolute roll. It was a loaded comment, because as great as that Vette was, what was coming was even better.
And here we are. Tomorrow starts the sale of what will undoubtedly be an instant sell-out, and even more so, an instant collector favorite, the '83 Chevy Silverado 4x4.
And it comes at a symbolic time. Last week, RLC collectors FINALLY received their membership model(s), the Drag Dairy, marking an end of the mess that was the RLC in 2013 through early 2015. Models went on sale, and were then delayed over and over and over again, while collectors wondered at what random time their credit cards would get hit. The final delayed model was the Drag Dairy, and it is now in collectors' hands. (Not mine, however. Changes in my address during the delays made things a little difficult on Mattel's end, but they fixed it and my models will arrive eventually. I hope.)
But as that chapter comes to an end, the Silverado marks the beginning of a new era with the RLC. And that is not trying to be dramatic. It really does.
Starting today, the HWC forum will go down for a massive upgrade, the first in a series of changes to the website. More importantly for RLC members, the oft-delayed models and ensuing collector frustration meant that Mattel changed its policy. Now, models don't go on sale until the entire quantity is in the warehouse ready to ship. That means collectors order their models, their card gets charged, and the model is shipped. Those that order the Silverado should all have them by early next week.
And of course, that is how it should be. With all that resolved, we can move forward to the most important part of this new era. We can focus on just how damn nice these upcoming models are. Today is the Silverado, which is as nice as any RLC model in my collection. Soon after we see an amazing array of models coming, from the Candy Striper Gasser to the Shelby Toyota 2000GT to the Gulf '67 Camaro and Porsche 993. Collectors from all walks have never been better represented than they are now.
So that disaster that was the RLC moves into the past, and what it is becoming comes front and center.
And it starts with this Silverado, which epitomizes the direction. It has the showmanship of the RLC, popping in spectraflame brown. But even with the signature Hot Wheels paint, the deco is stock. (That means it is best opened, but that is a post for another time.)
This is the second time the Silverado has been an RLC exclusive, but first as a 4x4. The lowered version, which debuted as a Modern Classic and has been in almost every lineup since, appeared a few years ago in green. This is only the third 4x4 version, next to the Off-Road racing version from 3-4 years ago, and the just-released Retro Entertainment version. The Retro Entertainment model is also straight stock, making it a perfect companion to this one.
You don't have to be a truck guy to love this one. I certainly would not consider myself a truck guy, but who doesn't love a vintage pickup that looks this good?
There isn't much more to say. Buy two, and do yourself a favor and open one. It is completely worth it. It's a doozy...
Hot Wheels '83 Chevy Silverado 4x4 (HWC Series Thirteen Real Riders):
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